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The Sierra Sun caught up for an email Q-and-A with legendary skateboarder Tony Hawk, who is slated to perform with his Birdhouse Skateboards team at Woodward Tahoe on Wednesday.

Woodward Tahoe — an action sports training center located at Boreal Mountain Resort atop Donner Summit — is the fourth stop of the eight-stop Birdhouse Left Coast Tour. The tour kicked off this past Saturday in Santa Clarita, Calif., and concludes July 28 in Vancouver, B.C. Other stops include San Jose, Sacramento, Grants Pass (Ore.), Spokane (Wash.) and Seattle.

“It's been awhile since the Birdhouse crew toured the West Coast,” Hawk said of the tour. “I'm looking forward to checking out some of the great skateparks of the Pacific Northwest and beyond.”

Check out what else Hawk had to say:

Sun: I know you're a busy man. What have you been up to lately?

Hawk: “Spending time with my kids, skating, touring, and working on THPSHD.”

Sun: What was your impression of the level of skateboarding competition at this year's X Games?

Hawk: “It was great. I love to see the progression and how the younger generation is so prolific. Not only am I a skater, but I am a huge fan of skating. The constant evolution is what has kept me interested for so long.”

SS: How much are you and your Birdhouse team looking forward to your visit to the North Lake Tahoe area?

Hawk: “We are excited. Some of us got to be at the grand opening so we are familiar with the facility. It is state-of-the-art and represents all styles of skating.”

SS: Have you spent much time in the Lake Tahoe area before?

Hawk “Only on family vacations when I was younger, and at Squaw for snowboarding.”

SS: If so, what are some of your favorite activities to take part in while visiting?

Hawk: “Wakeboarding and snowboarding; they are the closest I can get to skating on other terrain.”

SS: You were at the grand opening of Woodward Tahoe last month. What did you think of it?

Hawk: “I think it is a dream come true for kids that are into action sports, and a perfect facility for those that want to learn.”

SS: It seems like your skateboarding skills would transfer well to snowboarding. Do you ride?

Hawk: “Yes, I have been snowboarding since 1982. I enjoy riding fast and finding powder when possible. In other words, I keep my halfpipe riding for skating.”

SS: Do you have another favorite sport besides skateboarding?

Hawk: “Snowboarding is my other hobby; I have a place in Mammoth and I usually go on a heli trip at least once a year to get some powder days. I also surf.”

SS: About the Left Coast Tour, what should people expect to see from the Birdhouse team?

Hawk: “Some of the best modern skating and a diverse cast of characters. We hope to inspire kids to start skating and/or improve their skills by example.”

SS: Will any skaters be featured more prominently than others in the performance?

Hawk: “Many people are now familiar with Aaron “Jaws” Homoki because he is known to jump down the biggest stuff these days. His skating is hard to miss.”

SS: At this point in your career, how much do you push your skating? Do you still try to learn new tricks?

Hawk: “Yes, I am always trying to improve my skills. I am not trying to break any height or distance records, but I still love to explore new techniques.

SS: It should be a nice relief from the heat for you guys after stopping in Sacramento.

Hawk: “Actually, our demo last night (Monday) was one of the windiest I've ever had to endure! Our boards were literally flying away from us on some tricks. But we had a blast and are excited to perform again in Tahoe.”